Hvar: Island tour with Wine and Olive Oil Tasting

This review looks at a popular tour that takes you around the stunning Dalmatian island of Hvar, offering a blend of scenic vistas, historic spots, and delightful tastings. While we haven’t done this specific tour ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a compelling picture of what you can expect. If you love authentic experiences that combine nature, history, and local flavors, this tour could be a wonderful addition to your Croatian adventure.

What truly stands out are the breathtaking views from Napoleon fortress and the personalized tasting experience at a small, family-run winery. We also appreciate how the tour includes insightful commentary about Hvar’s history and traditional wine and olive oil making. On the flip side, some travelers note that the tour might feel a little rushed at times, especially if you’re keen to linger at each stop. This experience suits travelers seeking a well-rounded, intimate glimpse of Hvar, especially those who enjoy good wine and scenic drives.

This experience made our article of Hvar City’s 3 Best Wine Tours: Which To Choose?.

Key Points

• Stunning viewpoints from Napoleon fortress provide memorable photo opportunities.
• Authentic visits to small, family-owned wineries with personalized tastings.
• Beautiful scenic drives through lavender fields and traditional villages.
• Educational stops that reveal the island’s history and local traditions.
• High ratings and positive reviews emphasize knowledgeable guides and enjoyable experiences.
• Cost-effective value for a full day of sightseeing, tasting, and cultural insight.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Hvar Island Tour Experience

This tour offers a balanced mix of natural beauty, cultural insight, and flavor exploration. Starting from the lively town of Hvar, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle and venture out to discover some of the island’s most scenic and historic spots. It’s designed to give you comprehensive exposure to Hvar’s landscape, history, and local products—all in one enjoyable day.

The experience is ideal for those who appreciate a bit of everything: panoramic views, charming old villages, fine wines, and olive oils. It’s not a typical hop-on, hop-off type; rather, it’s a curated journey with knowledgeable guides who like to share stories and insights along the way. For travelers interested in authentic, small-scale tastings and the chance to see Hvar beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour offers genuine value.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point: Hvar Town and the Napoleon Fortress

Your day begins in the heart of Hvar, where you’ll meet your guide and hop into a comfortable vehicle. The first stop is the Napoleon fortress at 250 meters elevation. From here, you’ll be treated to spectacular panoramic views of Hvar town and surrounding islands. This viewpoint is a favorite among visitors, offering fantastic photo ops and a sense of the island’s strategic importance historically. The climb up is manageable, and the vistas make the slight effort worthwhile.

Scenic Drive through Lavender Fields and Old Villages

The next part of the journey follows the old roads of Hvar, winding through lavender fields that bloom with vibrant purple in summer, and past traditional villages that seem untouched by time. The guide will likely share stories about how these villages grew around local agriculture and how the landscape shapes local life.

This drive offers a chance to see the more authentic side of Hvar, away from the busy tourist spots. Travelers rave about the beauty of the scenery and the chance to see parts of the island that are inaccessible on foot or by car on your own.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visit to St. Rokos Chapel and Stari Grad Plain

The tour makes a stop at St. Rokos Chapel, a peaceful spot with an incredible view of the UNESCO World Heritage site, Stari Grad Plain. This ancient agricultural landscape has been farmed for over 2,400 years, and witnessing it provides a tangible connection to Hvar’s long history of farming and viticulture. The view here is described as “wonderful” by visitors, offering a quiet moment amid the tour’s more active parts.

Jelsa and Dubokovi Winery

The highlight for many is the visit to Dubokovi Winery in Jelsa, hosted by Mr. Ivo Dubokovi, a passionate producer of small-batch Croatian wines like “Medvid,” which is highly sought after. The winery is located in a traditional Dalmatian “konoba”, emphasizing the authentic, rustic feel of the tasting experience.

Here, you’ll sample a variety of wines and flavored olive oils, including aromatic and experimental options. The winery’s size—producing only 15,000 to 20,000 bottles annually—adds to its charm and exclusivity. Guests often comment on Ivo’s enthusiasm for experimenting with flavors, making each tasting memorable. His wines, such as the “Darnekua” (a 90-year-old autochthonous variety), are said to be favorites in top restaurants across Croatia and beyond.

The olive oils are also a highlight, with flavors like rosemary that pair beautifully with local bread. Many reviewers mention that the aromatized olive oils are so good that they linger in the memory long after the tour ends.

End of Tour and Return

After the wine and olive oil tasting, the tour concludes with a transfer back to your hotel or accommodation. The full experience typically lasts around 4-5 hours, making it a manageable but fulfilling day.

Transportation, Group Size, and Value

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring comfort during the drive. The group size tends to be small or medium, promoting a more personal experience and opportunities for questions. Costing around $141 per person, the price includes pickup and drop-off, tastings, bottled water, and guide commentary, making it a good value considering the personalized nature of the experience.

While lunch isn’t included, the focus on tastings and sightseeing allows you to plan a relaxed meal afterward—perhaps at a local tavern in Jelsa or Hvar town.

What Travelers Say

Traveler reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the beautiful scenery. Many describe the experience as a perfect way to see parts of Hvar they couldn’t reach on their own and highlight the wine tastings as both informative and fun. One reviewer notes, “The wine & olive oil tasting was informative and fun,” emphasizing how personal and engaging the experience is.

Others mention the great views from Napoleon fortress and the charm of the traditional winery. Several travelers found the experience to be a nice mix of history, scenery, and tasting, making it an ideal way to round out a day in Hvar.

Practical Considerations

• Timing: The tour lasts about 4-5 hours, starting from Hvar town. It’s best suited for those with a full day to spare.
• Comfort: An air-conditioned vehicle and bottled water keep you comfortable in warm weather.
• Booking Flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.
• Language: Tours are conducted in English, making communication straightforward for most travelers.

The Sum Up

This Hvar island tour offers a well-balanced mix of breathtaking views, cultural insight, and authentic tastings in a relaxed setting. It’s particularly suited for travelers who appreciate personalized experiences with local producers and want to see the island’s scenic and historic highlights in one go.

If you love wine, olive oils, and spectacular vistas, this tour delivers on all fronts. The small winery visit adds a genuine, intimate touch that many larger tours lack. The knowledgeable guides and positive reviews suggest you’ll come away with not just photos, but a deeper understanding of Hvar’s landscape and traditions.

While it might not be ideal for those seeking an entirely free-form day or with specific dietary needs, for most visitors, it strikes a fine balance of information, scenery, and flavor—making it a highlight of any Croatian trip.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes wine tasting paired with flavored olive oils, pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, driver, and bottled water for each guest.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t part of the package. You might find it best to plan a meal afterwards at a local restaurant in Jelsa or Hvar town.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about 4 to 5 hours from start to finish, providing a relaxed yet rundown of Hvar’s scenic and cultural highlights.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel schedule.

What language is the tour conducted in?
Tours are in English, making it easy to follow along and ask questions.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, as long as participants are comfortable with a moderate amount of driving and walking at viewpoints, it’s suitable for most age groups.

What is the price per person?
The tour costs approximately $141 per person, which includes tastings, transportation, and guide services.

Is it a small or large group?
The group size tends to be small or medium, fostering a more personal experience and the opportunity for individual questions.

What makes this tour stand out?
Highlights include stunning viewpoints, the chance to visit a small, family-run winery, and the opportunity to learn about local wine and olive oil making from passionate producers.

You can check availability for your dates here: